The Kansas City Chiefs took another step forward in the offseason training program on Tuesday as the reigning Super Bowl champions hit the field for mandatory minicamp.
This stage of the offseason – which permits for non-padded 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills – operates under the same rules as the Chiefs' Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices that took place over the previous three weeks, but unlike OTAs, all players are required to attend veteran minicamp.
There is only so much the players and coaches can accomplish during these practices due to the rules, but still, this time of year is vital in that it provides a foundation for what the Chiefs will cover at training camp next month.
With all of that being said, here are some quick notes from Tuesday's practice.
- Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a tremendous day with several impressive throws from various arm angles. Specifically, he fired a sidearm toss to wide receiver Skyy Moore during 11-on-11 drills before throwing a fade-away, sidearm touchdown pass to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling a bit later. Those were just two of several "wow" passes on the day from the reigning NFL and Super Bowl MVP.
- Wide receiver Richie James hauled in a touchdown during red zone drills.
- Defensive back Nazeeh Johnson tallied a leaping pass-breakup in the end zone to thwart a would-be touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.
- Veteran wide receiver John Ross recorded an impressive touchdown reception in the back of the end zone. It was a continuation of what has been a solid several weeks of practices for the former first-round pick.
- Rookie cornerback Nic Jones made an athletic interception in the corner of the end zone during 11-on-11 drills.
- Tight end Jody Fortson made a leaping touchdown grab during 7-on-7 drills.
- Wide receiver Skyy Moore was busy throughout the practice with several receptions during both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 periods. Moore has been impressive throughout the Chiefs' offseason training program.
- Defensive lineman Charles Omenihu swatted away a pass at the line of scrimmage during 11-on-11 drills.
Additionally, defensive end George Karlaftis was one of three players who spoke to the media following Tuesday's practice. This upcoming season is potentially a big one for the former first-round pick as he aims to build off a strong rookie campaign that included six sacks and 48 total pressures. In fact, Karlaftis' 5.5 sacks between Week 12 and the end of the regular season were just three shy of the NFL lead. Now with a full year under his belt, the Purdue product is aiming to maintain that momentum into 2023.
"I think general improvement is [the main goal]. [I'm] really trying to focus on the little things and the mental side of the game," Karlaftis said. "You can never get too good at that: the details and fundamentals, [then also] getting bigger, faster and stronger. [I'm] trying to hit it from every angle."
Karlaftis also explained that he feels significantly more comfortable heading into training camp this time around when compared to this time last year.
"Playing 20 games and being around guys like [defensive tackle] Chris [Jones], [defensive end] Frank [Clark], [defensive end] Carlos [Dunlap] and all the other guys in the room, that helps you out," Karlaftis said. "I learned a lot this past season, and I'm ready to take that with me going forward."
Karlaftis and the rest of the Chiefs will take the field for another minicamp practice on Wednesday.
